Preparing Your School Playground for the Spring Rush
As we turn our attention to the rising temperatures ahead, it’s time for spring cleaning! It’s important to give play structures – and particularly outdoor ones impacted by weather – the proper cleaning and maintenance they need. There are many benefits to this, including preventing the spread of germs, reducing the risk of injury and illness, and extending the life of the playground equipment. Let the experts at Miracle Recreation guide you with our cleaning and maintenance tips so you’re ready for the spring rush!
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Regularly Clean the Playground
Playgrounds are high-contact surfaces. All plastic and metal surfaces should be disinfected regularly, and you should clean your playground at least as often as inspections are conducted, which should be every three months on average.
Conduct Routine Inspections
Cleaning and inspections go hand in hand. While cleaning, look out for anything broken or hazardous, such as loose bolts, sharp edges, rust, and cracked or compromised playground equipment. Be sure to also inspect the surrounding area and remove anything hazardous. Keep careful records to ensure timeliness of inspections and to track any recurring issues.
Repair or Replace Parts
If any issues are identified during the inspection, it’s important to address them immediately. While some repairs can be made on the spot by members of the facilities team, larger issues may require a playground equipment professional. In some cases, purchasing new equipment is the wiser alternative. For more information on replacement parts, visit our parts page.
Make Garbage Cans Available
Help keep your school playground clean by making sure that trash receptacles are conveniently located to help reduce littering. Consider installing signage to remind the school community of the importance of taking care of the space so everyone can enjoy it. For more information about these products, visit our site amenities page.
Playground Maintenance Tips
School playgrounds are an extension of the classroom and similarly benefit from routine maintenance, so they’re freshly clean and safe for students. Doing this work up front reassures you that students are playing on safe materials and getting the best play experience possible. Some more tips below will help keep the playground safe, hygienic, and durable for years to come.
- Designate who is responsible for maintenance: Whether it’s an employee(s), committee, or a local service, you need to know who will regularly maintain the playground area. Make sure they have adequate training and knowledge to perform the necessary tasks.
- Trust in safety professionals: Hire a qualified professional to check each component’s safety. In certain climates, playground equipment is used less frequently in the winter months. Checking to make sure everything is in good working order and meets safety standards is critical, especially when children are the ones using the space.
- Secure the area: Depending on the particulars of the space, installing a fence, gate, and/or alarm system can help reduce additional maintenance because of vandalism or improper use of the area.
- Establish a reporting system: For safety, make sure teachers, aides, and parents know who to tell about any maintenance that must be performed. Having a central system to collect information will help keep the process organized and encourage accountability.
- Consider shade structures: Reduce fading from the sun by installing shade structures and canopies. This will help prevent maintenance issues and keep your playground looking fresher for a longer amount of time.
The allocation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)
funding provides a timely opportunity for schools across America to enhance, repair and otherwise renovate their playgrounds. ESSER III funds must be committed by September 30, 2024, and district leaders have flexibility when it comes to how best to use the funds to meet the needs of their school communities.
When you’re looking for a safe and durable playground for your school, consider Miracle Recreation. Our thrilling and inventive play experiences are sure to delight students of all ages. Contact us today to begin building a customized playground that serves the needs of your students.